The Two Myths That Stood Between Me and Happiness
January 20, 2025
I’ve been passionate about self-help for as long as I can remember. I devoured books, binged podcasts, and attended endless workshops, all in search of the one answer—the remedy that would take me from feeling insecure and stuck to living the life of my dreams.
Looking back, I can see how two major myths held me back for years. These misguided beliefs didn’t just slow my progress; they left me frustrated and questioning whether true happiness was even possible for me.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing ‘all the right things’ but still aren’t seeing the change you crave, these myths could be holding you back. Shifting your perspective in these areas could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
Myth #1: Believing in the Magic Pill
For years, I chased the idea of a miracle cure—something that would instantly transform my life. I wanted to go from insecurity to confidence, from stuck to thriving, and I wanted it to happen now. I thought if I just found the right workshop, read the right book, or attended the right retreat, everything would magically fall into place.
Each time, I’d leave feeling elevated, optimistic, and deeply aligned. But inevitably, a week later, my energy would contract, old patterns would creep back in, and my outer reality remained the same. I’d spiral into frustration, convinced something was wrong with me or that I wasn’t embodying the teachings “perfectly.”
The truth? There is no magic pill. Transformation isn’t about one life-changing moment. Okay, maybe it is for a select few, but for most of us, it’s a gradual process—a series of small, intentional steps taken consistently over time.
The workshops, books, podcasts,and retreats weren’t the problem—they were invaluable tools. But my expectation of instant results was the real issue. True transformation happens in the daily application. When you integrate what you’ve learned into your life—one step at a time—that’s where the magic happens.
Growth requires persistence, patience, and a willingness to embrace the process, even when progress feels slow or invisible.
Myth #2: Believing External Achievements Bring Happiness
For years, I tied my happiness to external success. I believed landing the “dream” job, hitting a certain salary, or achieving something impressive would finally make me feel confident and fulfilled.
Here’s the thing: the Universe eventually delivered everything I thought I wanted. And yet…I still felt unhappy and unaligned.
I had been focusing on all the wrong things. I became so consumed with chasing external goals that I bypassed the most important part—the inner work. I had been avoiding peeling back the layers and truly meeting myself. I was disconnected from my truth, chasing dreams that weren’t even mine.
The truth is—and yes, it’s a cliché for a reason—change starts from within. To truly transform and find lasting happiness, I had to become aware of the unconscious narratives running on repeat in my mind. The "shoulds" and the self-limiting beliefs were keeping me stuck.
Once I became aware of these thoughts, I could consciously choose better ones. Slowly, these new thoughts led to different choices, new habits, fresh experiences, new goals—and ultimately, new beliefs. As a result, my external reality naturally began to shift.
Be Compassionate With Yourself
If you’ve believed these myths, don’t be hard on yourself. How could you not, when modern culture constantly reinforces the ideas of instant gratification and external definitions of happiness?
Your journey is your own, and true transformation takes time. Be patient with yourself and trust that every small step forward—no matter how insignificant it might seem at the moment—adds up to meaningful progress.
Remember: happiness isn’t about finding the “perfect” answer or achieving the “perfect” goal. It’s about committing to your growth, showing up for yourself daily, and learning to embrace and enjoy the process along the way.
Reflection: Which of these myths have you believed? What small step can you take today to shift your perspective?
With love and light 💫
Syd
